Beginner piano student
You’re learning melodies and also want to practise your piano technique. So compare the number of keys and the keyboard action: according to their manufacturers, the Yamaha P-145, Roland FP-10 and Korg B2 each have 88 keys.
Who is this choice for?
Quiet home player
You share your home and want to listen through headphones. Check that the exact model has a suitable headphone socket; manufacturers list one for the Roland FP-10, Casio CDP-S110 and Korg B2, among others.
Melody player short on space
You mainly want to play folk tunes and are weighing up the range you need against the shorter length of a stage keyboard. Yamaha specifies that the CK61 has a 61-key keyboard.
What should you look for when choosing?
61-key stage keyboard
A good fit if: you mainly play melodies, want to explore different sounds and find a shorter range sufficient.
The trade-off: the Yamaha CK61’s FSB keyboard is not the same as the weighted hammer-action keyboards on the 88-key pianos covered here.
Portable 88-key digital piano
A good fit if: as well as playing folk tunes, you want to practise piano technique on a full-size, weighted keyboard.
The trade-off: allow enough width, and check which pedals are included or available as optional extras for each model.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this most relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Piano feel and range | Compare the number of keys and keyboard action on the exact model with your lessons and pieces; try the feel of the keys yourself if possible. | If I also want to practise piano technique, I need a full range and a weighted keyboard. Around 36% of consumers prioritise piano technique and key range. |
| Practising quietly | Check whether the model has a PHONES or PHONES/OUTPUT socket and whether it is compatible with your headphones. | When practising in a shared home, I want to listen through headphones. Around 29% of consumers prioritise quiet practice. |
| Space and setup | Measure the available width and depth, including the stand you plan to use and the space needed to sit. | If there isn’t much free space in the spare room, the instrument needs to fit with the playing setup in place. Around 21% of consumers prioritise saving space. |
| Sounds and practice features | Compare the sounds and features you want to use, such as a metronome; check which pedals are included and which are optional. | If you want to play melodies using different sounds, consider the range of sounds and practice features available. Around 14% of consumers prioritise these needs. |
Common buying mistakes
-
Assuming ‘compact’ means ‘short’
An 88-key instrument with a slim casing still needs space across the width of the keyboard. A 61-key model has a shorter range.
Measure your playing space and check whether 61 keys are enough for the pieces you play.
-
Assuming the pedal you want is included
The damper pedal supplied and the availability of a three-pedal unit vary by model.
Check what’s in the box and whether the pedal upgrade you want is compatible with the exact model.
-
Assuming a 61-key keyboard is the same as an 88-key hammer-action keyboard
Manufacturers specify different numbers of keys and keyboard actions. The name alone doesn’t show that two keyboards have the same design.
Compare the full model name and official keyboard specifications with your learning goals.
Brands to compare
Yamaha
The P-145 is a portable digital piano for piano-focused practice; the CK61 is a stage keyboard with a shorter keyboard and a wider choice of sounds.
- Yamaha specifies an 88-key weighted GHC keyboard for the P-145. The CK61 has 61 FSB keys and built-in speakers.
- The CK61’s keyboard design is not the same as the P-145’s. The LP-5A three-pedal unit for the P-145 is optional.
Roland
The FP-10 is a portable digital piano for piano-focused practice at home.
- Roland lists an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard, built-in speakers, headphone use and a metronome.
- The DP-10 half-pedal is optional. Bluetooth availability may vary by country.
Casio
The CDP-S110 is a compact digital piano with a slim casing and straightforward practice controls.
- Casio lists a scaled hammer-action keyboard, a PHONES/OUTPUT socket, app control and an included SP-3 sustain pedal.
- According to Casio, the connection method for app control varies by smart device model; check that it works with your device.
Korg
The B2 is a portable 88-key piano with basic practice features.
- Korg lists a weighted NH keyboard, a metronome, speakers, a combined headphone/line output and an included damper pedal.
- The PU-2 three-pedal unit is sold separately.
Joybuy products
These Joybuy picks focus on 61-key instruments for melodies that suit a shorter range.
No image available
MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
An option to compare if you’re looking for a shorter keyboard and want to use a variety of sounds.
The product name lists a weighted keyboard with 61 keys, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, USB-MIDI, speakers, a headphone socket and a music stand.
Check that the 61-key range suits the melodies you play.
No image available
Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys, black
An option to compare if a shorter keyboard and a recording function suit the way you practise.
The product name lists a MIDI controller, recording function, speakers, metronome and music stand.
Check that 61 keys are enough for the pieces you play.
Frequently asked questions
Does a stage piano need built-in speakers for practising at home?
No, not if you’re listening through a suitable headphone socket. If you want to play without headphones or separate audio equipment, check whether the exact model has built-in speakers; according to their manufacturers, the Roland FP-10 and Yamaha CK61 do.
Does a digital piano come with a pedal as standard?
It depends on the model and type of pedal. Korg lists an included damper pedal with the B2 and a PU-2 three-pedal unit sold separately; Yamaha lists an optional LP-5A three-pedal unit for the P-145. Check what’s included with the version you choose.
What cooling-off period and warranty apply to online purchases in the Netherlands?
According to the Dutch government, online distance purchases generally come with a 14-day cooling-off period, subject to some exceptions. In the Netherlands, there is no fixed statutory two-year warranty period; if a product is faulty, you should contact the seller.
What can you do with an old electric piano when buying a similar new appliance?
According to the Dutch government, the take-back scheme for old, similar electrical appliances applies to private individuals: the seller must take the old appliance back free of charge. The scheme also applies to online purchases; ask how collection will be arranged when your new appliance is delivered.